I would like to do a unit on optics of reflection and refraction, to the level of simple curved reflectors, and spherical thin lenses, as a follow on to the treatment of light waves.
After reviewing the basics of reflection and refraction, and then Snell's Law, I would introduce optical ay tracing and then focal length and magnification.
Show how a simple pin hole camera works and be improved by a lens.
Then apply them to the design of multi-component devices such as telescope and microscope.
I have the impression that this topic gets less attention than it used to, but it is very relevant because of so many consumer products that use it, and there are many possible labs that are interesting and not too difficult.
I have had the good luck to do a little of this as a substitute teacher in older grades elementary. The prepared lesson plan called for inquiry using hand held magnifiers of several strengths. Time allowed me to extend that to
explain how two lenses could help each other.
I began by holding a pair of lenses, one in each hand, to make a telescope, or a compound magnifier.
Then everyone tried it, and I can honestly say everyone was engaged. No math was involved.
After reviewing the basics of reflection and refraction, and then Snell's Law, I would introduce optical ay tracing and then focal length and magnification.
Show how a simple pin hole camera works and be improved by a lens.
Then apply them to the design of multi-component devices such as telescope and microscope.
I have the impression that this topic gets less attention than it used to, but it is very relevant because of so many consumer products that use it, and there are many possible labs that are interesting and not too difficult.
I have had the good luck to do a little of this as a substitute teacher in older grades elementary. The prepared lesson plan called for inquiry using hand held magnifiers of several strengths. Time allowed me to extend that to
explain how two lenses could help each other.
I began by holding a pair of lenses, one in each hand, to make a telescope, or a compound magnifier.
Then everyone tried it, and I can honestly say everyone was engaged. No math was involved.